PLENTY OF DECISIONS IN PRIMARY ELECTION

Tuesday is primary election day in Missouri, one of the two most important days of the year in the essential process of choosing our leaders. While the ballot isn't as crowded with aspirants as it has been in some years, enough candidates are vying for certain key offices that it is certainly worth your attention and time on Tuesday.

Statewide interest has focused on the Democratic primary for the only office up this year: state auditor. This race pits Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Claire McCaskill against St. Louis Alderman Steve Conway. The winner will face Republican Chuck Pierce, a Bootheel native and a 17-year veteran of the auditor's office currently serving as incumbent Margaret Kelly's chief deputy.

In Cape Girardeau County, the liveliest contest is among the four Republicans and two Democrats seeking to replace collector Harold Kuehle, who has held office for 32 years. Democrats are Judy Beussink and Ed Meadows. The winner will face the Republican who emerges from among Diane Diebold, Matt Hopkins, Tom Cahill and Chris Johnston.

In neighboring Scott County, where all the action for county offices is in the Democratic primary, a gaggle of candidates too numerous to mention has been contesting for the offices of associate circuit judge, clerk, collector, recorder, presiding commissioner and treasurer. Fierce campaigning, in the usual Scott County tradition, should stimulate voter turnout.

Neighboring Bollinger County is home to a spirited primary for presiding commissioner. Candidates on the Republican side include incumbent Elwood Mouser, Bill Foster and Bill Nitsch. The winner will face Democrat Ken Trentham in November. Then there is the issue of blue-law repeal on the ballot Tuesday in Bollinger County. Repeal would allow expanded retail sales on Sundays.

Perry County has a lively Republican primary to replace retiring presiding commissioner Karl Klaus. Candidates are Gary Schumer, Tom Sutterer, Brad Moll, Gary Lauck and Gene Tucker. Also in Perry County is a Republican primary for county clerk, pitting incumbent Donna Guemmer against challenger Becky Paulus. In the 155th District, state Rep. Patrick Naeger also faces a primary challenge from Al Bohnert. The winner will face Democrat Diane Edwards.

There are plenty of candidates and plenty of issues to sort through. Take a few minutes Tuesday to exercise your right to vote, the very privilege for which so many heroic Americans have given their lives.